County OKs Kentfield project as owner calls process 'too much to bear'

A plan to tear down a Kentfield home and build a new residence was approved by the county Planning Commission Monday, capping a year-long ordeal in which the project was revised five times to meet community concerns.

The planning panel voted 6-1 to reject two appeals by neighbors of a staff decision approving the one-story, 4,401-square-foot home, 678-square-foot garage and 509-square-foot pool house proposed by Mark and Heidi Friedman on a 23,210-square-foot lot at 21 Rancheria Road. Commissioner Pete Theran dissented.

Neighbors Robert Mills and Anita Mills, as well as Jenee and Pascal DiFronzo, filed separate appeals of staff approval of the plan, balking at the bulk, size and mass of the project, impacts on privacy and community character, design and related matters.

Mark Friedman said efforts to accommodate the concerns of neighbors were extensive, noting the project began as a two-story structure and was repeatedly revised before it finally drew approval of the Kent Woodlands Property Owners Association.

"It has become too much to bear for us," he told the commission. "We have been more than reasonable ... It is time for me and my family to begin building."

Five or six residents rose to support the project, including realty agent Marilyn Rich, who said the Friedmans had "gone through a million hoops" in order to meet community concerns. "How much power does a neighbor have?" Rich asked the commission.

"I'm embarrassed for our community," she said. "I'm embarrassed for Kent Woodlands. This has to come to an end."

But several contended that despite revisions the project remained objectionable.

"We're saying it is a little too big," Mills said. Among those questioning the project was Nancy Danielson, granddaughter of the community's namesake, William Kent.

Commissioner Theran balked at design aspects and provided a lengthy explanation of why he believed the project failed to meet planning expectations.

"Does this house fit with the neighborhood? That's what I have trouble with," he said. "I don't think it's right."

But other commissioners disagreed, saying that although a master bedroom could be shifted somewhat, the project made sense.

"I believe the home is appropriate for this lot," said Commissioner Don Dickenson. "I'm impressed with the way this project has evolved."